Frequently Asked Questions

Dependent eligibility

Are domestic partners considered "dependents"?

Although domestic partners may not satisfy federal or IRS dependent definitions, they are included in the Leidos' definition of dependent. Note that certain fully-insured plans (TRICARE Supplement) do not permit domestic partners to be covered under their plans.

Who is considered an eligible dependent?

An eligible dependent is defined as:

Your legal spouse or domestic partner

Dependent children up to the end of the month in which they turn 26, regardless of student status

Children include your natural child, legally adopted child, children placed with you for adoption, stepchildren, children of your domestic partner or any other child who depends on you for support and lives with you in a parent-child relationship and provide proof of legal guardianship. A complete description of the Leidos eligible dependent guidelines is available on the Summary Plan Description (SPD) web site.

Unmarried children beyond the age of 26 who are incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability

Will I need to provide documents for dependents I currently have enrolled or only for dependents added during enrollment?

After you enroll, our vendor, Budco, will ask that you provide documentation for newly added dependents that you are covering. You may also be asked to verify dependent eligibility as part of our ongoing audit of a random 10 percent of our employee population.

What should I do in preparation for the Dependent Eligibility Verification?

You should prepare to provide the following types of documentation once requested by Leidos' vendor, Budco:

Tools and resources

Where can I learn more?

This site includes an interactive benefits decision guide and other tools and resources to help you choose and use your benefits. You have the support of ESS HR Benefits Service Desk by calling 1-855-553-4367, select #3 or email at esshrbsd@leidos.com to help you understand and navigate the changes.

Who is Health Advocate and how should I use them?

Health Advocate is a terrific resource for our U.S. benefits-eligible employees. Health Advocate is an outside third party — they are not connected to our plan administrators. They can offer objective advice and guidance and help you navigate the sometimes challenging landscape of health and health care. Assistance in finding the right doctor, transferring of your medical records, and helping to resolve insurance claims are just a few of the services they offer.

When should I contact the ESS HR Benefits Service Desk and when should I contact Health Advocate? What is the difference?

Your first choice can always be ESS HR Benefits Service Desk. They are equipped to answer most of your coverage questions, and they can help direct you to Health Advocate or other resource, when appropriate.

The healthy focus advantage and healthy focus essential plan options

How do the family deductible and out-of-pocket maximum work under the medical plans?

You and your dependents have to meet the entire family deductible before the plan begins paying benefits for any covered individual for non-preventive care. The out-of-pocket maximum works similar to the deductible and provides protection, limiting your total out-of-pocket costs for a given year. The individual out-of-pocket maximum applies to employee-only coverage for both the Advantage and Essential plans. If you enroll one or more dependents into the Advantage, the family out-of-pocket maximum must be met before the plan begins paying 100% for any individual. However, if you elect the Essential plan and enroll one or more dependents, in 2017 there is an embedded out-of-pocket maximum of $7,150 for each individual covered by the plan. This means that if one family member reaches the embedded maximum, the plan will begin paying 100% for that individual only. Remember — preventive care is covered at 100% and is not subject to the deductible.

How much will it cost for me to go to the doctor under the medical plan options?

Under both Healthy Focus plan options, preventive care, such as physicals, mammograms and prostate exams, is covered at 100%.

After you meet the annual deductible for non-preventative care, the plans pay the majority of the cost of a doctor visit. Upon visiting your in-network provider for a non-preventative office visit, your doctor’s office should take your card and bill the insurance company prior to billing you for anything. Your in-network cost share or coinsurance is 20% under Healthy Focus Advantage and 35% under Healthy Focus Essential. Keep in mind that you have the Health Savings Account (HSA) option to help budget and save for out-of-pocket health care expenses, including the deductible. Review this site for more information on the plans and how they pay for covered care.

Where can I get this information on the mental health and substance abuse programs for the fully insured plans?

You will need to refer to the fully-insured plan’s benefit summary to obtain that information. The benefit summaries are currently available on the Benefits Summary Plan Description (SPD) web site.

Where can I find current rates for the Healthy Focus medical plans?

Employees can find current rates for all medical plans offered on the enrollment web site, WorkDay.​

The health savings account (HSA)

How does a Health Savings Account (HSA) work?

When you enroll in a Healthy Focus medical plan, you have the option to open a Health Savings Account (HSA) through HealthEquity. You can contribute pretax and post tax dollars to the HSA up to the annual IRS contribution limit. You can use the HSA to pay for eligible health care expenses — tax free! You can also grow health care savings in your HSA for future health care expenses. Remember, the limit also includes any contributions that Leidos may make.

Who is eligible to open or contribute to an HSA?

You must be enrolled in a Healthy Focus medical plan. You cannot be claimed as a dependent on anyone else's tax return, covered by any other non-CDHP medical insurance or account, such as TRICARE, your spouse's HMO, POS or PPO medical plan, Medicare Parts A or B or a traditional Health Care FSA.

How can I receive an HSA contribution from the Company?

The Company will make an automatic contribution to the HSA for employees enrolled in the Healthy Focus Advantage or Essential plan, and who earn $150,000 or less.

The Company contribution will be deposited to your HSA in equal increments on a biweekly basis.

What can I use the HSA for?

Use the HSA to pay eligible health care expenses. This includes medical and prescription drug expenses, as well as dental and vision expenses that qualify as tax-deductible through the IRS but aren't paid by the health plan. For a list of eligible HSA expenses in 2017, go to healthequity.com/leidos.

What are the tax advantages of an HSA?

HSAs are very unique in that you can set aside money in your HSA on a pretax basis, up to an annual limit. You can grow the money tax free. In fact, when your balance reaches $1,000, you can invest your HSA dollars to grow the funds for future healthcare expenses. Finally, you can use the HSA dollars for eligible healthcare expenses tax-free. That’s a triple tax advantage! Please note that tax deductibility is for federal taxes and tax treatment varies by state.

How much can I contribute to my HSA?

For 2017, you can make pretax contributions from your pay up to $3,400 for individual coverage and $6,750 if you enroll your spouse or domestic partner and/or children. Remember, the Company may make an automatic contribution to your HSA and that amount is included in the IRS annual maximum amount you can contribute.

If you are age 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 in catch-up contributions. In 2017, this would be done directly with HealthEquity. For information, contact HealthEquity Member Services as 1-844-373-6981.

Do I have to use the money in my HSA first? Or can I choose to pay my deductible out of my own pocket?

The decision to use the account or pay with other money is yours each time you receive care. If you don't use all the funds in your HSA by plan year end, any unused balance rolls over to the next plan year. This means any unused dollars you or the Company contributes in 2017 can be used for eligible healthcare expenses during 2018 or future years — even during retirement. Review this site for more information on the Health Savings Account (HSA).

Medical

How many physical therapy visits are covered each year?

Each plan has different physical therapy benefits. In the self-insured PPO plans, the combined benefit for therapy treatment (physical, occupational and speech) is 60 visits per calendar year. There is a review for medical necessity that occurs after the twenty-fifth visit so please ensure that your provider is documenting your improvement (maintenance therapy is not covered) and providing documentation to the claims administrator.

Is a colonoscopy considered a preventive exam?

It depends on the plan. Under the Healthy Focus Advantage and Healthy Focus Essential plans, colonoscopies are considered preventive exams after age 50. Employees should contact their specific plan's member services department to confirm benefits.

I am on assignment overseas and enrolled in Cigna International. How do I determine which providers are in network and which aren't?

Cigna International services that are obtained overseas are all paid at the "in-network" level of coverage. Therefore, employees and their family members who live and obtain services overseas are covered at the in-network percentage regardless of the physician they use.

Prescription Drugs

As an Express Scripts member, you have access to nearly 60,000 pharmacies nationwide including most major drugstores. Ask your local pharmacy if it is in the Express Scripts network. In addition, you are able to use the Express Scripts mail-order program for all of your ongoing prescriptions such as those you take to control high blood pressure, cholesterol and/or diabetes.

How can I locate a pharmacy within the Express Scripts network?

You can call Express Scripts Member Services at 1-877-223-4721 or you can visit their web site, www.express-scripts.com.

How can Express Scripts help me save money?

The cost of your medications depends on whether you use generics, preferred brand names, or non-preferred brand names. Preferred medications have been selected by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, an independent committee of practicing physicians and a pharmacist, and Express Scripts. The committee reviews and evaluates medications to ensure they are safe and effective, and that they offer value to the plan and the consumer.

To see if you could save, call Express Scripts Member Services at 1-877-223-4721 or you can visit the Express Scripts web site.

And, once you are enrolled, you can explore the My Rx Choices® prescription savings program (also known as Savings Advisor) at Express Scripts. With My Rx Choices, you can see if you have lower-cost alternatives available for the medications you take regularly. This tool allows you to enter or select a drug name and get information such as brand name and generic alternatives, estimated cost, and whether or not the drug is covered under the plan. Simply look up the name of a medication to find lower-cost alternatives and potential savings. Then, print out the list of alternatives and savings and ask your doctor whether a lower-cost generic or preferred brand-name is right for you.

How will my doctor know which medications are preferred for me?

The Plan uses the Preferred Prescription Formulary by Express Scripts. The formulary provides a list of common medications that are typically covered by your plan, including generic and brand-name drugs. Discuss the list of drugs on the formulary with your doctor before your prescription is written. Your doctor may see that there is a preferred drug that is appropriate for you. You can look up the formulary on the Express Scripts web site.

Once you're on the web site click "Formulary — look up drugs by name".

Or, once you are enrolled, you can also log on to Express Scripts to find out which medications are preferred. (If you are a first-time visitor to the web site, please take a moment to register with your member ID number on your pharmacy ID card, and recent prescription number.)

What is the Express Scripts mail order Pharmacy?

The Express Scripts mail order Pharmacy is a part of the Express Scripts family of pharmacies. The Express Scripts pharmacy is your mail-order service under the Healthy Focus Plans. With the Express Scripts Pharmacy, after your deductible is met, you'll save when you purchase up to a 90-day supply. Just ask your doctor for a new prescription for up to a 90-day supply, plus refills for up to one year (as appropriate). It is good practice to submit refill requests early, when you have a two-week supply on hand, to help avoid any issues should there be an unexpected delay in refilling the prescription by mail.

Another advantage of the Express Scripts Pharmacy is that you'll receive the support of Express Scripts specialist pharmacists who are trained in the medications that treat an ongoing condition such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. Specialist pharmacists are available when you need them, 24/7. They can work with you and your doctor to help make sure that your medications work safely together and work well for you.

How do I get started with the Express Scripts mail order pharmacy?

Getting started is easy. If you use medication on an ongoing basis (such as those used to treat high blood pressure or high cholesterol), you can order up to a 90-day supply and have it delivered right to your home — through the Express Scripts Pharmacy, your mail-order service.

Placing your first order

At the Express Scripts web site, download the mail-order form and Express Scripts Health, Allergy & Medication Questionnaire (HMQ) for your first order. Just complete both forms and indicate your choice for payment. You can register a credit card with the program or ask to be billed for your order. Remember to include your doctor's original written prescription with this first order.

Receiving your medication

You'll receive your medication within eight days after Express Scripts receives your order. You can request express delivery for an additional charge.

I'm taking a preventive, maintenance medication that's not included on the Preventative Medications List. Why can't it be included?

The company continually evaluates our health programs to try and enhance our offerings when possible. The company and Express Scripts are faced with some limitations with respect to what medications can be included on the preventive drug list. These limitations are mandated by the IRS. In this case we were able to partner with Express Scripts to expand our preventive drug coverage to include some diabetic medications, which are strictly viewed as "preventive."​

Can we influence what specialty medications are provided?

Unfortunately, no. The list of specialty medications administered by Express Scripts' Accredo specialty pharmacy are determined strictly by Express Scripts and apply to all of Express Scripts' 60 million members. They are not client-specific.

How do we find out which drugs are specialty drugs? How can we obtain the formulary?

To find out which drugs are categorized as specialty or to find out which drugs are included in the formulary (preferred) you can call Express Scripts Member Services at 1-877-223-4721 or you can visit the Express Scripts web site.

If I'm in a Healthy Focus plan, is it to my benefit to use mail-order for prescriptions or continue to go to a retail pharmacy?

Taking advantage of a mail-order drug program is convenient and in most cases can save you money. Occasionally, you will find a generic that costs less than the plan copay.

Will the Express Scripts plan allow you to go to a retail pharmacy and purchase three months worth of meds for the mail-order co-pay?

No. You would need to utilize the Express Scripts mail-order pharmacy to obtain the 90-day pricing benefit.

What happens if I purchase a brand-name medication when a generic equivalent is available?

If a generic equivalent is available and you choose to purchase the brand, you will pay your generic cost share plus the difference in cost between the brand and the generic.

If you have to pay the difference in cost between the brand and generic drug, this difference will not apply toward your deductible nor out-of-pocket maximum, and you will continue paying the difference even after you have met your out-of-pocket maximum.

What if I the generic equivalent does not work for my condition?

If your physician determines that there are clinical reasons you must take the brand versus the generic equivalent, he/she must indicate such by writing "dispense as written" on the prescription.

There may also be generic alternatives available for some brand-name medications (they may be as effective in treating your condition but they are not chemically equivalent). You may wish to discuss generic alternatives with your physician to determine if they are appropriate for your condition.

Dental

What provider network do I use for the Leidos Dental PPO plan administered by Aetna?

For the Leidos Dental PPO plan, use the Dental PPO/PDN with PPO II network.

Vision

In the vision plan, are lenses and frames covered every 12 months?

Yes. Lenses and frames are currently covered every 12 months. This means that employees can receive a "complete" new pair of glasses — lenses and frames — every 12 months.

Does the vision plan include both contacts and frames?

The plan does provide some coverage for either contacts or frames/lenses — not both.

Do I need to obtain a new prescription in order to get new frames?

You are able to get an exam, lenses and frames every year regardless of whether you've had a prescription change.

Can I buy my glasses or contacts through Costco?

You are able to use Costco and Eye Care Centers of America as if you were using a VSP approved in-network provider.

Flexible Spending Accounts - Eligible Expenses

Do you have a list of eligible expenses that I can apply to the flexible spending account?

Yes, you can review the list of the eligible expenses for Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent (Day) Care Flexible Spending Accounts.

Are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplies eligible under the Health Care FSA?

Yes. You will still be able to receive reimbursements for OTC drugs, as long as there is a doctor's prescription. Medical devices and supplies (crutches, blood sugar monitors, etc.) and items such as bandages, contact lens solution or denture bond, will not require a prescription.

If OTC drugs require a prescription, does this mean that I have to schedule a doctor's appointment and pay an office visit co-pay just to get reimbursed for my OTC drug?

Requiring an office visit copay for an OTC drug prescription is determined between the patient and the provider. An office visit co-pay may be required if it is a new illness not previously treated by the doctor. You should contact your healthcare provider to determine what policy the provider has in place to accommodate the prescription requirement for OTC drugs.

What's the age limit for eligible dependents under the Dependent Day Care FSA?

Dependents are eligible until age 13, unless they are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves and live in your household for at least 8 hours a day.

Are over the counter (OTC) weight-loss items eligible?

Yes. However, you will need to submit a doctor's statement with your reimbursement request verifying that the patient's diagnosis is obesity and that the OTC was prescribed to treat obesity. Keep in mind, an FSA will not pay for the cost of food supported by a weight-loss program.

What is a Letter of Medical Need or Doctor's Statement?

The IRS requires that medical expenses reimbursed through an FSA must be primarily for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease. For example, your doctor may prescribe a vitamin to treat your medical condition. Because vitamins are generally considered an ineligible expense, you will need a letter from your medical provider detailing the type of service rendered and the treatment necessary.

Flexible Spending Accounts - claim information

What web site do I use for claims?

2016 claims can be submitted directly on the WageWorks website. For 2017 claims, log into your HealthEquity account and click on "Claims and Payments".

What are the essential things I need to know about a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

Flexible Spending Accounts are plans that are governed by IRS regulations which detail who is eligible to use the account and what, where and how the money can be used. It is your responsibility to:

Keep your receipts and make sure the service, the amount you paid and the service date (not payment date) is included.

Keep track of your FSA balance by watching your online statement. In some cases, you may be required to submit additional information regarding debit card transactions or claims submitted.

What is the maximum amount you can contribute to a Health Care Flexible Spending Account on an annual basis?

The maximum amount you can contribute to your Health Care FSA for the 2017 Plan year is $2,600.

Flexible Spending Accounts - reimbursements

Will I receive reimbursement through my paycheck or through Payroll?

No reimbursement will not be through Leidos payroll. To receive reimbursements via direct deposit in 2017, you must provide your personal banking information on the HealthEquity website. You can also complete the Direct Deposit form and submit it to HealthEquity via U.S. mail or fax.

Does a Health Care FSA reimburse for only the enrolled participant's healthcare expenses, or will it reimburse for other family members, as well?

A Health Care FSA will reimburse you for healthcare expenses incurred by you and your eligible tax dependents, even those not covered under our health and welfare plans. Likewise, if you are covered under a spouse's medical plan rather than the Company's, you can still use the Company's FSA benefit to reimburse you for your tax dependent's healthcare expenses. If your spouse also participates in his/her company's FSA plan, you cannot both be reimbursed for the same eligible expense.

How is my Health Care FSA funded?

Once your benefits take effect, the Company will fully fund your account with your total election amount. The Company will then deduct the election amount from your paychecks in equal amounts throughout the year.

Do I have access to my entire Dependent Care election amount at the beginning of the year?

No, you will only have access to dependent care funds that have been deducted from your paycheck each pay period.

What if I have money left in my account at the end of the year?

Under the current IRS regulations "Use it or Lose it" rule, you forfeit any funds that are not claimed by the end of your coverage period.

What is the deadline for submitting a reimbursement request?

You can submit a reimbursement request at any time during the same plan year when the expense was incurred. Otherwise, you will have a deadline date of four months after the plan year to submit for reimbursement. This date is typically April 30.

What ways can I receive reimbursement?

There are three options for receiving reimbursement:

Use your healthcare debit card

You can use your HealthEquity debit card at select pharmacies, healthcare providers and general merchandise stores that have an IRS-approved inventory and checkout system. In most instances, the card transaction will be automatically verified at checkout. With this verification, you may have to submit a receipt to HealthEquity after the transaction. Note: Cannot be used for dependent day care expenses.

Pay My Provider

For 2017, you can request HealthEquity to pay your provider directly by selecting Pay Doctor/Provider in the Claims and Payments drop down menu.

Request Reimbursement

You can request reimbursement from your health care flexible spending account online via the HealthEquity member portal. As part of the online process, you can upload the backup documentation and associate them directly to the claim.

How do I receive my reimbursements by direct deposit?

For the 2017 Plan year, you can sign up for direct deposit on the HealthEquity website. You also have the option of completing the Direct Deposit form and submitting it to HealthEquity via U.S. mail or fax.

What is the Pay Doctor/Provider feature and how do I use it?

You can pay many of your eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses directly from your FSA account.

To pay a provider:

You must submit a receipt or invoice prior to a payment being issued.

Once the receipt is approved, one-time payments will be issued on or after the service start date or service end date for Dependent Day Care (even if provider requires payment prior to service).

Participant may schedule recurring payments for any eligible expense — provided there is a contract between patient and provider.

Participation in FSA is in no way linked to participation in medical and/or dental plans.

If I have a baby in the middle of the plan year, will I be eligible to enroll in Dependent Day Care FSA at that time?

Yes, birth of a child is a life event (also referred to as qualified status change event), and you can enroll at that time.

Can I change my election if I use up all the funds in my account before the end of the year?

No. You can only change the amount you are contributing if you have a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce or the birth of a child.

What if I leave the company or retire during the year and still have money in my account?

You will be reimbursed for any eligible expense incurred before the date you retire or leave the company. Under IRS regulations, any remaining funds in the account must be forfeited. Any expenses you incur after the end of your employment is not eligible for reimbursement unless you are eligible to continue your Health Care FSA via COBRA.

What is the difference between a flexible spending account (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA)?

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

FSAs are available to employees only if their employer makes them available

Employees elect to set aside a certain amount of money pretax from which they can reimburse themselves for certain out-of-pocket expenses

Misc. IRC 213(d) expenses can be reimbursed as well as limited health premiums

Nonqualified withdrawals can be made, but subject to taxation plus 10 percent penalty. After age 65, death or disability, there’s no penalty

Unused funds from the account roll over from year-to-year and are fully portable — employees can take them to new employer

An employee cannot enroll in the Company Health Care Flexible Spending Account if the employee’s spouse is enrolled in a Health Savings Account in the same plan year.

Can I use the Dependent Care FSA and also claim the federal tax credit for dependent care expenses?

Whether the Dependent Care FSA or the tax credit is more advantageous to you depends on your personal tax situation. Unfortunately, we cannot provide tax advice to you. You should consult your tax advisor. Another resource to check is the IRS Publications.

Flexible Spending Accounts - healthcare debit card

How do I use my healthcare debit card?

Your healthcare debit card is only for use at select pharmacies, healthcare providers, and general merchandise stores that have an IRS-approved inventory and checkout system (IIAS). In most instances, your card transaction will be automatically verified at checkout, which means you will not have to submit a receipt to the administrator after the transaction.

You are, however, required to keep each receipt for tax purposes, and in the event it is needed for verification. When you go to one of these stores or provider's office and swipe your card, choose "credit," even though it is not a credit card.

Can I receive a debit card for my Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account?

No. Debit cards are only issued for the Health Care Flexible Spending Account.

Can I use my healthcare debit card at any merchant?

You can use your healthcare debit card at healthcare providers (doctors, dentists, vision providers, etc.). You can also use it at merchants with an IRS-approved Inventory Information Approval System (IIAS) that sell eligible over-the-counter items.

What is IIAS?

IIAS is the common acronym for the IRS-approved Inventory Information Approval System. IIAS was introduced in 2008 and enables participating merchants to verify card purchases right at the check-out counter. Since all stores (including pharmacies and drug stores) that sell general merchandise along with healthcare items must participate to accept the card, it practically eliminates the need and hassle of having to submit receipts to verify the transaction after the purchase.

Where can I find a list of general merchandise stores that have an IRS-approved inventory system?

Yes, visit the Special Interest Group for IIAS Standard web site for the most up-to-date list of merchants who have an IRS-approved inventory system. The list can be found under the Publication section of the web site.

Do I need to submit receipts if I make a purchase at a merchant with an IRS-approved system?

No, you will not need to submit receipts if the merchant has an IRS-approved system. Only eligible healthcare items can be purchased with the card at the point of sale. The FSA administrator will validate these card transactions; however, you still need to keep the receipts for IRS audit purposes.

If I use my healthcare debit card to pay for my visit at the doctor's office, will I need to submit receipts?

Please save all your receipts and monitor your account. When you use your healthcare debit card at a doctor's office, the FSA administrator will attempt to automatically verify your card transactions. If they are not able to do so, you will be asked to submit receipts to verify the transactions.

If I have a letter of medical necessity to purchase a non-eligible OTC item, will I be able to pay for it with a healthcare debit card?

The IRS approval system will only allow the standard list of eligible OTC items to be purchased via the card. Any items that are not on this list will require a letter of medical necessity and will need to be paid for with another form of payment and you will need to submit a request for reimbursement.

Do I have to use the healthcare debit card?

No. You also can file a claim online to request reimbursement for your eligible expenses. For 2017 claims, go to HealthyEquity, complete an online claim form and scan/upload your receipts. Most claims are processed within one or two days after received and payments are sent shortly thereafter.